Talking peace in times of conflict : The Tribune India

Join Whatsapp Channel

Talking peace in times of conflict

An austere dhoti wrapped around a seemingly frail frame. Add to it those trademark round-frame glasses, and even before the description is complete, one instinctively knows, it is an allusion to votary of non-violence, lovingly addressed as Bapu- Mahatma Gandhi.

Talking peace in times of conflict


Manika Ahuja

An austere dhoti wrapped around a seemingly frail frame. Add to it those trademark round-frame glasses, and even before the description is complete, one instinctively knows, it is an allusion to votary of non-violence, lovingly addressed as Bapu- Mahatma Gandhi. And no, the Father of the Nation has not ceased to exist, nor he ever will, for he continues to stay alive within the indelible embers of his powerful ideals, which continue to inspire those young and young at heart, alike.

This Gandhi Jayanti, as tension mounts, and clouds of conflict hover over neighbouring countries, we take a quick scan to see how relevant Tricity folks deem the Gandhian principles in the present context...

Negating an eye for an eye

Peace-activist Bernie Meyer, lovingly known as ‘the American Gandhi,’ who is in city for Global Youth Peace Fest, observes that witnessing the slightest element of conflict in the air, leading to death and bloodshed would have disheartened Gandhi, whose first impulse would have been to utter, “Let’s change it.” Bernie enlists some Gandhian principles, which he believes can usher-in the much-needed winds of change, “Gandhi always stressed on the power of truth and non-violence. In times of nuclear weapons, a non-violent approach is what can save the world.”

Essence of meaningful life

Ask Pramod Sharma, Co-ordinator of NGO, Yuvsatta, to share his views on the power of Gandhi’s advocacies, and he puts it succinctly, “I have nothing new to teach the world. Truth and non-violence are as old as the hills...I have always adored these lines penned by Gandhi. Only a man of a great stature could have uttered those beautiful words.”

Having organised Global Youth Peace Fests, the 11th edition of which is currently underway, Sharma states that the fact that Gandhian principles hold ground can be culled from the fact that the event witnessed participation of, “as many as 250 delegates from 33 countries.” He lists out some probable reasons that make Father of Nation’s message stand the test of time, “his life-lessons are still relevant because they help keep our animal instincts at bay. They aid one’s journey of rising above the average-level and help one lead a meaningful life.”

Effective governance

An IAS aspirant, Mausam Babbar, feels the founding fathers of India had not only laid their lives for the cause of the nation, but also laid principles on which it is to be governed.

To drive his point home, Babbar draws a parallel between Bapu’s vision of a model village and “modern-day initiatives such as Adarsh Gram Yojana, Grameen Sadak Yojana, Skill India and Start Up India, among others, which, much in consonance with Mahatma’s dream, have been brought into force to enhance the overall image of Indian villages.” He adds that the similarities highlight the force with which “Gandhian ideology thrives within the hearts of modern-day Indians, or rather individuals across the globe. Need I say more?”

Boon for barbaric times

According to city-based author Sumrit Shahi the surging magnitude of global terrorism and increasing hatred among earthlings and widespread religious-fanaticism, “have made the need for Gandhian ideals even more paramount. ”

Gandhigiri yields results

MCM DAV pass-out Tarika Narula, who is currently pursuing psychology, believes that every successful social movement that has triggered a change, bears resemblance with Gandhian principles in some way or another. She substantiates her point, “Gandhian principles of non-violent protests are employed by social activists even today. The success of the Anna Hazare movement, which gave rise to novel political beginnings in the country, testifies that pure Gandhigiri’, if employed the right way, definitely yields results.”

Top News

Arvind Kejriwal to be produced before Delhi court today as 6-day ED custody ends

Excise policy case: Delhi court extends ED custody of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal till April 1

In his submissions, Kejriwal said, ‘I am named by 4 witnesse...

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

Delhi High Court dismisses PIL to remove Arvind Kejriwal from CM post after arrest

The bench refuses to comment on merits of the issue, saying ...

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

‘Unwarranted, unacceptable’: India on US remarks on Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest

MEA spokesperson says India is proud of its independent and ...

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi, backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine public trust in judiciary

Bullying Congress culture, no wonder being rejected: PM Modi

Backs senior lawyers who flagged attempts to undermine publi...

Gujarat court sentences former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years in jail in 1996 drug case

Gujarat court sentences former IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt to 20 years in jail in 1996 drug case

Bhatt, who was sacked from the force in 2015, is already beh...


Cities

View All